S3E22 | Scaling Experiential Learning with Dana Stephenson: Solving the "No Experience, No Job" Paradox

It is an all-too-common story: a student graduates with a degree but is rejected from entry-level jobs because they lack "real-world experience." On this episode of An Educated Guest, Todd Zipper sits down with Dana Stephenson, co-founder of Riipen, to discuss how his company is dismantling this barrier.

Dana shares how Riipen connects universities with a global network of employers to embed real-world projects directly into the curriculum. Instead of theoretical case studies, students work on actual business challenges, allowing them to build a portfolio and professional network before they ever leave campus.

Key topics discussed:

• The Origin Story: How a student project at the University of Victoria turned into a global marketplace.
• The Ecosystem: Solving the "chicken and egg" problem for schools and companies.
• Equity in Access: How virtual, project-based learning opens doors for non-traditional students and those who can’t afford unpaid internships.
• The Future of Work: Why 61% of entry-level jobs now require 3+ years of experience and how higher ed can adapt.